Drifting

“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast . . .” (Hebrews 6:19)

You are embarking on a long-awaited trip. You’ve inspected the boat and double-checked the supplies and equipment; you are now confident, all is good.

Even if on a pond, a helpful and often crucial piece of boat equipment is the anchor. It need not be a large object but heavy and strong, and though not always needed, you want it to be readily accessible. When you find a “sweet spot” to view scenery or fish a while, the anchor goes into the water. It will grab hold onto something and keep you from drifting; that is, unless you forgot to secure it to the boat, or the line was frayed and broke.

Our hope in God, our trust in Him—believing He is who He says He is—anchors our soul. Hope achieves for the soul what the anchor does for a boat, holds it securely. But a faulty connection or a tattered rope will not keep you safe. Jesus said He prepared a place for us who have placed our faith in Him, a place in heaven with God our Father where we will spend eternity (John 14: 2–3). But to go there, your faith must first be anchored, “sure and steadfast” in Him. God honors His Word.

When you seek refuge in God, His lifeline to your soul will keep you from drifting in life’s storms and being bashed against the rocks. The cares and stress of this world may play havoc with the rope on your anchor, but you can cry out to God for help; He can take your frayed life and reweave it sturdier than before. Is your hope in an eternal home with your Father steadfast, unwavering? Once you anchor your faith in Jesus, the Rock of Ages, nothing can sever you from His care, not even yourself (Romans 8: 38–39).